Hinge with a release member

Abstract

Hinge (10) comprising a first tube portion (12) and a second tube portion (14) pivoting relative to the first tube portion between an unfolded position and a folded position; a locking element (20) pivotally mounted on the first tube portion between a closed position in which it holds the second tube portion in the unfolded position and an open position in which it allows the second tube portion to move into the folded position; a release member (30) configured to move the locking element from its closed position to its open position when placed in an active position; and an actuating device (50) for the release member, configured to move the release member into the active position.

Description

Domaine Technique

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of folding bicycles and more specifically to folding bicycle hinges. Technique antérieure

[0002] The frame, stem or seat post of folding bicycles traditionally comprises a hinge comprising a first tube portion and a second tube portion, pivotally mounted relative to the first tube portion. The second tube portion can be placed in a folded position and in an unfolded position.

[0003] These folding bike hinges are generally equipped with a locking element to keep the second tube portion in the unfolded position when it is in the closed position. Such a locking element takes the form of a lever cooperating with the two tube portions.

[0004] For safety reasons, such locking elements are held in the closed position, possibly by means of a return device, when the bicycle is in use.

[0005] After use and when the user wishes to fold the bicycle, he must act on the locking element in order to place it in an open position, in which the locking element allows the second portion of tube to be placed in the folded position.

[0006] Manually opening the locking element can be complicated and require significant effort on the part of the user. The locking element can also be difficult to access, making it even more difficult to open.

[0007] The user may therefore not be able to open the locking element correctly and may have difficulty folding the bicycle. The user also risks injuring themselves, for example pinching their fingers, when handling such a locking element.

[0008] Additionally, since the hinges are usually located near the wheels, the locking element can become covered in mud. Also, operating the lever can be messy for the user's hands.

[0009] Document CN 102 407 909 A describes a hinge for a folding bicycle according to the preamble of claim 1. Other hinges are described in documents CN 201 825 190 U, CN 101 973 338 A and CN 105 015 678 A. Exposé de l'invention

[0010] An aim of the present invention is to provide a hinge for a folding bicycle which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a hinge for a folding bicycle, said hinge comprising: a first tube portion; a second tube portion pivotally mounted relative to the first tube portion about a first pivot axis between an unfolded position and a folded position; a locking element pivotally mounted to the first tube portion about a second pivot axis, the locking element having at least one closed position in which it holds the second tube portion in the unfolded position and an open position in which it allows the movement into the folded position of the second tube portion by pivoting said second tube portion relative to the first tube portion about the first pivot axis; an unlocking member having a rest position and an active position, the unlocking member being configured to bring the locking element from its closed position to its open position when it is placed in the active position;and a device for actuating the release member, configured to bring the release member into the active position.;

[0012] In a non-limiting manner, the first and second tube portions may be portions of the stem, handlebar, frame or seat post of the folding bicycle. They extend respectively in a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction. The first pivot axis is preferably transverse to the first and second longitudinal directions.

[0013] In the folded position, the second longitudinal direction of the second tube portion forms an angle with the first longitudinal direction of the first tube portion. In the unfolded position, the second tube portion extends substantially in line with the first tube portion. The second longitudinal direction and the first longitudinal direction are then substantially parallel and preferably coincident. In the unfolded position, the first and second longitudinal directions may also be slightly inclined relative to each other, while remaining in line with each other.

[0014] The locking element advantageously forms a lever pivotally mounted between the closed position and the open position. The second pivot axis is preferably parallel to the first pivot axis and transverse to the first longitudinal direction of the first tube portion.

[0015] When placed in the closed position, the locking element advantageously cooperates with the second tube portion to maintain it in the unfolded position and prevent it from folding. The locking element is then close to the second tube portion and preferably pressed against said second tube portion. It preferably extends substantially parallel to said second tube portion.

[0016] In a non-limiting manner, the hinge may comprise a connecting piece having a first end portion pivotally mounted at the end of the locking element and a second end portion pivotally mounted at the second tube portion. In this closed position, the locking element exerts a force on the connecting piece which transmits this force to the second tube portion. This force is directed substantially towards the first tube portion so that it tends to maintain the second tube portion in the unfolded position.

[0017] In the open position, the locking element is preferably inclined relative to the second tube portion.

[0018] In a non-limiting manner, the release member may be mounted on the first tube portion or on the second tube portion. It preferably extends between the tube portion on which it is mounted and the locking element. The release member preferably has the shape of a cam and is capable of exerting a force on the locking element when it is placed in the active position. This force drives the locking element from its closed position to its open position.

[0019] In a non-limiting manner, the release member can define a rotational movement or even a translational movement between the rest position and the active position.

[0020] Using the actuating device, the user can easily and quickly activate the release member and thus bring the locking element into the open position.

[0021] Also, the release member and the hinge actuating device according to the invention allow the user to avoid manually opening the locking element. In other words, he is not required to bend down and act directly on said release member. The efforts required to put the locking element in the open position are reduced and folding the bicycle is made easier.

[0022] In addition, the user does not risk getting his hands dirty or injuring himself since he does not have to touch the locking element.

[0023] In the rest position, the release member does not drive the locking element towards its open position, so that the latter can be placed in the closed position.

[0024] The actuating device can advantageously be offset relative to the release member. In a non-limiting manner, the actuating device can be arranged at the handlebar or stem of the folding bicycle so that it is easily accessible and can be easily activated by the user, in particular when mounted on said bicycle.

[0025] Advantageously, the hinge comprises a return device configured to bring the unlocking member from the active position to the rest position, when the actuating device is not actuated. One advantage is to facilitate placing the unlocking member in the rest position. Another advantage is to avoid the risk of forgetting to bring the unlocking member into the rest position, which makes it possible to prevent the unlocking member from holding the locking element in the open position when this is not desirable, for example when the bicycle is in use.

[0026] The risk of the bike folding accidentally is reduced and user safety is therefore improved.

[0027] In a non-limiting manner, the return device may comprise a return spring, for example a compression spring, cooperating with the release member.

[0028] Preferably, the unlocking member is pivotally mounted relative to the second tube portion around a third pivot axis, parallel to the second pivot axis of the locking element. In other words, the unlocking member pivots between the rest position and the active position along this third pivot axis. When it is brought into the active position, by pivoting, the unlocking member advantageously exerts a thrust force on the locking element, resulting in the locking element pivoting from the closed position to the open position.

[0029] In a non-limiting manner, rotating the release member in a first direction of rotation causes the locking element to rotate in a second direction of rotation. Alternatively, rotating the release member in a first direction of rotation causes the locking element to rotate in this same first direction of rotation.

[0030] The third pivot axis is preferably parallel to the first pivot axis and transverse to the second longitudinal direction of the second tube portion. When the second tube portion is unfolded, considered in projection in a plane passing through the first and second pivot axes, the third pivot axis advantageously extends between said first and second pivot axes.

[0031] Between the rest position and the active position, the release member preferably describes a rotation of an angle between 60° and 180°, more preferably between 90° and 180°, more preferably a rotation of approximately 90°.

[0032] Advantageously, the second tube portion comprises a mounting portion defining a housing, the release member being pivotally mounted on said mounting portion and extending at least partly into said housing. An advantage of this mounting portion forming a housing is to protect the release member, in particular from rain, which reduces the risk of wear.

[0033] Preferably, the release member extends substantially entirely into said housing of the mounting portion when said release member is in the rest position. More preferably, the release member extends partially out of said housing when it is placed in the active position.

[0034] In addition, the mounting portion frames the release member and forms a protection reducing the risk of injury and in particular of pinching with the release member.

[0035] In the rest position, the release member preferably extends substantially entirely into the housing. In the active position, the release member may partially protrude from the housing.

[0036] The mounting portion preferably comprises at least two side walls through which the third pivot axis passes.

[0037] Preferably, the mounting portion projects from an outer surface of the second tube portion. One advantage is to make the release member easily accessible if repairs are necessary.

[0038] It is understood that the mounting portion projects radially from said outer surface of the second tube portion. Without limitation, the mounting portion may extend entirely out of the second tube portion.

[0039] Preferably, the mounting portion extends at least partially inside the second tube portion. One advantage is to improve the compactness of the hinge. Alternatively, but not limited to, the mounting portion may extend entirely inside the second tube portion.

[0040] Advantageously, the unlocking member comprises a pushing portion configured to push the locking element in order to bring said locking element from its closed position to its open position, when the unlocking member is brought from its rest position to its active position. The force exerted by the pushing portion of the unlocking member on the locking element has the consequence of pivoting said locking element from its closed position to its open position. This force is greater than the return force exerted by any spring tending to maintain the locking element in the closed position.

[0041] Said thrust portion preferably extends substantially parallel to the locking element and to the second tube portion when the unlocking member is in the rest position.

[0042] Preferably, when the unlocking member is pivotally mounted relative to the second tube portion, said pushing portion also pivots relative to the second tube portion about the third pivot axis. When said unlocking member is brought from the rest position to the active position, the pushing portion pivots about said third pivot axis and moves away from the second tube portion, in order to push the locking element.

[0043] Preferably, but not limited to, the thrust portion preferably extends between the third pivot axis and the second tube portion, when the second tube portion is in the unfolded position. Alternatively, the third pivot axis may extend between the thrust portion and the second tube portion, when said second tube portion is in the unfolded position.

[0044] According to the invention, the release member comprises a pulling portion and the actuating device is configured to pull on said pulling portion of the release member in order to bring it into the active position. In a non-limiting manner, the traction exerted by the actuating device on the pulling portion can cause the release member to move in rotation or translation.

[0045] The tractive force is preferably directed towards the actuating device and in particular towards the handlebar of the bicycle, when the actuating device is mounted on said handlebar. The tractive force is preferably oriented transversely to the third pivot axis.

[0046] The pulling portion makes it possible to increase tenfold the force exerted by the actuating device, like a lever, thus facilitating the active positioning of the release member and therefore the opening of the blocking element.

[0047] Preferably, the pulling portion of the release member extends radially from the third pivot axis, so that the release member is rotated about the third pivot axis when the actuating device pulls on said pulling portion.

[0048] Preferably, the release member comprises a bent portion located between the pulling portion and the pushing portion, said bent portion being crossed by the third pivot axis.

[0049] The pulling portion and the pushing portion therefore extend radially from said third pivot axis and therefore transversely to said third pivot axis.

[0050] The pulling portion and the pushing portion preferably extend transversely to each other so that the release member has a substantially "L" shape.

[0051] Preferably, the pulling portion and the pushing portion define an angle between 90° and 180°, more preferably between 110° and 140°, and more preferably an angle approximately equal to 120°.

[0052] The pulling portion preferably has a length less than half the length of the pushing portion.

[0053] A tensile force exerted on the pulling portion in a pulling direction substantially transverse to the third pivot axis makes it possible to pivot the pulling portion and the pushing portion and therefore to bring the release member towards the active position.

[0054] Advantageously, the pulling portion and the pushing portion of the release member extend on either side of the mounting portion, when the release member is in the active position. One advantage is to improve the compactness of the hinge.

[0055] In a non-limiting manner, the pulling portion and the pushing portion may extend on either side of a plane parallel to the second longitudinal direction of the second tube portion and passing through the third pivot axis.

[0056] Preferably, but not limited to, considered in projection in a plane transverse to the second longitudinal direction of the second tube portion and passing through the third pivot axis, the pulling portion extends between the locking element and the third pivot axis. The pulling portion then extends inside the second tube portion.

[0057] Alternatively, but in a non-limiting manner, considered in projection in such a plane transverse to the second longitudinal direction of the second tube portion and passing through the third pivot axis, said third pivot axis extends between the pulling portion and the locking element.

[0058] Preferably, the actuating device comprises a control member and a cable portion having a first end connected to the control member and a second end connected to the pulling portion of the release member.

[0059] An action on the control member causes the cable portion to move towards said control member, which has the effect of exerting a tensile force on the pulling portion of the release member. The pulling portion is then driven in rotation or translation and the release member is easily brought from the rest position to the active position.

[0060] Without limitation, the cable portion may extend along the second tube portion or inside said second tube portion.

[0061] Advantageously but not limitingly, the control member has the form of a lever or a pivoting element, for example a handle.

[0062] The control member is preferably configured to be mounted near the handlebars of a folding bicycle. In this way, the control member is accessible to the cyclist mounted on the bicycle. Folding the second tube portion and therefore the bicycle is facilitated.

[0063] The control unit can also be placed on the stem of the folding bike.

[0064] Preferably, the locking element comprises a receiving portion and the unlocking member further comprises a locking portion configured to cooperate with the receiving portion in order to maintain the locking element in the closed position when the unlocking member is in the rest position. Said locking portion then performs a locking function and makes it possible to prevent the involuntary opening of the locking element and therefore the involuntary folding of the second tube portion relative to the first tube portion. For the cyclist, the risks of injury are therefore reduced. In a non-limiting manner, the opening of the locking element is only possible by activating the unlocking member and therefore by acting on the actuating device.

[0065] Preferably, the receiving portion projects from an interior surface of the locking member.

[0066] The locking portion advantageously opposes the pivoting of the locking element towards its open position.

[0067] Preferably, the locking portion and the receiving portion are configured such that the cooperation between said locking portion and said receiving portion is interrupted when the unlocking member is brought into the active position. Putting the unlocking member into the active position therefore makes it possible to unlock the locking element while bringing said locking element towards its open position.

[0068] Advantageously, the receiving portion comprises a shoulder and the locking portion has the shape of a hook comprising an engagement part configured to cooperate with said shoulder when the unlocking member is in the rest position. An advantage is to lock the locking element all the more effectively in the closed position. When the unlocking member is in the rest position and a force is exerted on the locking element aimed at bringing it into the open position, said shoulder advantageously comes into abutment against said engagement part.

[0069] According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, considered in a plane perpendicular to the second pivot axis, said shoulder and said engagement portion extend radially relative to a circle having the second pivot axis as its center and passing through said locking portion. One advantage is to improve the cooperation between the engagement portion and the shoulder in order to prevent the locking element from opening all the more effectively when the unlocking member is in the rest position.

[0070] Advantageously, said circle passes substantially through the third pivot axis of the release member relative to the second tube portion. One advantage is to limit friction between the engagement portion and the shoulder when moving from the active position to the rest position of the release member and vice versa.

[0071] The invention also relates to a folding bicycle comprising at least one hinge as described above.

[0072] Preferably, the folding bicycle further comprises a second hinge as described previously, the device for actuating the release member of this second hinge comprising an actuating cable having a first end part fixed to one of the first and second tube portions of said first hinge, and a second end part connected to the release member of the second hinge, said device for actuating the release member of the second hinge being configured to bring the release member of the second hinge into the active position when the second tube portion of the first hinge pivots relative to the first tube portion of the first hinge.

[0073] An advantage is to allow easy activation of the unlocking member of the second hinge by pivoting the second tube portion of the first hinge relative to the first tube portion of the first hinge. After placing the locking element of the first hinge in the open position, the user folds the second tube portion of the first hinge, which leads to the opening of the locking element of the second hinge. The user is therefore not required to act on a separate control member to activate the unlocking member of the second hinge. In other words, folding the first hinge allows folding of the second hinge, allowing gradual folding of the bicycle.

[0074] Another advantage is to reduce the risk of the second hinge folding accidentally, since the latter's release member can only be brought into the active position after the first hinge has been folded.

[0075] The actuating cable advantageously extends in a sheath. In a non-limiting manner, the activation of the release member of the second hinge can be carried out by pulling on the actuating cable or by pushing on the sheath inside which it extends.

[0076] Said first and second hinges can be two hinges of the bicycle frame or hinges of the seat post or the stem of the bicycle. Brève description des dessins

[0077] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ]there figure 1 illustrates a portion of a bicycle frame provided with a hinge for a folding bicycle according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ]there figure 2 illustrates the hinge of the figure 1 , the release member being in the rest position; [ Fig. 3 ]there figure 3 is a side view of the hinge of the figure 1 , the release member being in the rest position; [ Fig. 4 ]there figure 4 illustrates the receiving portion and the locking portion of the hinge of the figure 1 ; [ Fig. 5 ]there figure 5 illustrates the hinge of the figure 1 , the release member being in the active position; [ Fig. 6 ]there figure 6 is a side view of the hinge of the figure 1 , the release member being in the active position; [ Fig. 7 ]there figure 7 illustrates the hinge of the figure 1 , the second portion of tube being in the folded position; [ Fig. 8 ]there figure 8 illustrates the first hinge of a variant of the bicycle of the figure 1 ; And [ Fig. 9 ]there figure 9 illustrates the second hinge of the bicycle figure 8 . Description des modes de réalisation

[0078] A hinge for a folding bicycle comprising a release member for placing a locking element in the open position when activated.

[0079] There figure 1 illustrates a portion of a folding bicycle frame fitted with a hinge 10 according to the invention.

[0080] We note that the hinge 10 includes a first portion of tube 12, a second portion of tube 14, a blocking element 20, a release organ 30 and an actuating device 50.

[0081] In this non-limiting example, the first portion of tube 12 and the second portion of tube 14are portions of the top tube of the bicycle frame. Without departing from the scope of the invention, these first and second tube portions 12,14 can be portions of the seatpost tube, stem or even the handlebar of the bicycle. As illustrated in figure 2 , the first portion of the tube 12 is cylindrical and extends in a first longitudinal direction Y 1 . The second portion of the tube 14 is also cylindrical and extends in a second longitudinal direction Y 2 .

[0082] For visibility reasons, the first and second tube portions 12,14 are illustrated in dotted lines and are shown transparent on the figures 1à 7 .

[0083] As can be seen on the figure 2 , the second portion of the tube 14 is pivotally mounted relative to the first portion of tube 12 around a first pivot axisX 1 , between a folded position and an unfolded position. On the figures 1à 6 , the second portion of the tube 14 is shown in the unfolded position, in which it extends in line with the first portion of tube 12. In the folded position, shown in figure 7 , the second portion of the tube 14 no longer extends in the extension of the first portion of tube 12 and forms an angle with the latter.

[0084] The blocking element 20 has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. It forms a lever.

[0085] Referring to the figure 2 , we see that the blocking element 20 is pivotally mounted relative to the first portion of tube 12 according to a second pivot axis X 2 . The first pivot axis X 1 and the second axis X 2 pivoting are diametrically opposed and extend on either side of the first portion of tube 12. They are also parallel to each other. A housing 22 is provided in the blocking element 20.

[0086] The release organ 30 is pivotally mounted relative to the second portion of tube 14 according to a third pivot axis X 3 . The third pivot axis X 3 is parallel to the first and second pivot axes X 1 ,X 2 . More specifically, in this non-limiting example, the release member 30 is pivotally mounted relative to a mounting portion 16 of the second portion of tube according to this third pivot axis.

[0087] The said assembly portion 16 defines a dwelling 18 within which the release organ extends in part 30. The assembly portion 16comprises two side walls crossed by the third pivot axis X 3 . In this non-limiting example, the mounting portion 16 protrudes from an exterior surface 14a of the second portion of tube 14.

[0088] The release organ 30 includes a thrust portion 32 configured to push the blocking element 20. The release member further comprises a pulling portion 34 and a cubit portion 36 extending between the thrust portion 32 and the draw portion 34. The bent portion is crossed by the third pivot axis X 3 . The pushing portion 32 and the draw portion 34 project radially from the third pivot axis, transversely to said third pivot axis X 3 .

[0089] The draw portion 34and the thrust portion 32 extend transversely to each other. They define an angle of between 110° and 140°, preferably approximately equal to 120°. Also, the release member has a substantially “L” shape.

[0090] In this non-limiting example, the draw portion 34 extends partly inside the second portion of tube 14, in a cavity provided in said second portion of tube.

[0091] When the second portion of tube 14 is in the unfolded position, as shown in figures 1à 6 , the release organ 30 extends between the second portion of tube 14 and the blocking element 20. Furthermore, in this position and considered in projection in a plane passing through the first and second pivot axes X 1 ,X 2 , the third pivot axis X 3 extends between said first and second pivot axes. Furthermore, in a non-limiting manner, when the second tube portion is unfolded and considered in said plane passing through the first and second pivot axes X 1 ,X 2 , the pulling portion extends between the third pivot axis X 3 and the first pivot axis X 1 .

[0092] As illustrated in figure 1 , the actuating device 50 includes a control unit 54 and a portion of cable 52 having a first end 52a connected to the control organ and a second end 52b connected to the draw portion 34 of the release organ 20.

[0093] In this non-limiting example, the hinge 10 further includes a connecting piece 40 in the form of a rod illustrated in particular in figure 5 . The said connecting part40 has a first end part 40a pivotally mounted relative to the end of the locking element 20 according to a fourth pivot axis X 4 and a second end part 40b pivoting mounting relative to the second portion of tube 14 according to a fifth pivot axis X 5 .

[0094] The hinge 10 also includes a spring 60, visible in figure 1 , configured to bring the blocking element towards the second tube portion 14.

[0095] On the figures 2 And 3 , the second portion of the tube 14 is in the unfolded position and the release member 30 is in the rest position. Furthermore, the locking element 20 is in the closed position so that it holds the second portion of tube 14 in the unfolded position.

[0096] More precisely, in the closed position, the locking element 20 is pressed against the mounting portion 16 of the second portion of tube 14, and extends substantially parallel to the second longitudinal direction Y 2 of the second portion of tube 14.

[0097] On the figure 3 , we note that when the blocking element 20 is in the closed position, the first, third and fourth pivot axes X 1 , X 3 , X 4 extend on the same side of the plane passing through the second and fifth pivot axes X 2 , X 5 .

[0098] Referring to the figure 2 , we note that in this closed position, the connecting part 40 extends into the housing 22 provided in the blocking element 20. The blocking element 20 exerts a force on the first end part 40a of the connecting part 40,which transmits this effort to the second portion of tube 14. This effort is directed substantially towards the first portion of the tube 12 so that it maintains the first tube portion and the second tube portion in the unfolded position. If a force is exerted on the second tube portion 14, tending to bring the latter into the folded position, the force is transmitted to the locking element 20 via the connecting piece 40. This force tends to bring the locking element even closer to the second portion of tube and therefore to maintain said locking element in the closed position and the first and second portions of tube in the unfolded position.

[0099] The blocking element 20 thus effectively maintains the first and second portions of tube 12,14 in the unfolded position, even in the presence of a force tending to pivot the second portion of tube 14 compared to the first portion of the tube12.

[0100] On the figures 2 And 3 , the release organ 30 is in the rest position. Its thrust portion 32 extends substantially parallel to the second longitudinal direction Y 2 of the second portion of tube 14. In this resting position, the pushing portion 32 further extends inside the mounting portion 16 and substantially parallel to the blocking element 20, so that it does not exert any pushing force on the latter.

[0101] As can be seen on the figure 4 , the release organ 30 further includes a locking portion 35 extending radially from the third pivot axis X 3 . This portion of locking 35 forms an angle with the thrust portion 32 and the draw portion 34,of an angle between 100 and 140°, preferably approximately equal to 120°. The locking portion 35 has the shape of a hook including an engagement part 37. The engagement part 37 extends tangentially to a circle passing through the locking portion 35 and whose center is the axis X 3 . The inner face of the locking element 20 is also equipped with a reception portion 39 including a shoulder 41.

[0102] In the rest position of the release organ 30, illustrated in figure 4 , the engagement part 37 of the locking portion 35 cooperates with the shoulder 41 in order to keep the locking element in the closed position.

[0103] Considered in a plane transverse to the second pivot axis X 2 , the shoulder 41and the engaging portion extend radially relative to a circle C having as its center said second pivot axis and passing through the locking portion 35. An interest is that when the unlocking organ 30 is in the rest position and a force is exerted on the locking element 20 tending to pivot it towards its open position, said shoulder abuts on said engagement portion, effectively preventing the opening of said locking element.

[0104] It is further noted that the said circle C passes substantially through the third pivot axis X 3 of the release organ 20 compared to the second portion of the tube 14, facilitating the establishment of cooperation and the interruption of cooperation between the engaging party 37 and the shoulder 41 when pivoting the release member.

[0105] In order to bend the second portion of tube 14, the user must first place the blocking element 20 in the open position. To do this, the user operates the actuating device 50 by acting on the control organ 54. This results in pulling on the cable portion 52, towards the control unit. A tensile force is exerted by the cable portion 52 on the draw portion 34 of the release organ 30. The release organ 30 is then rotated around the third pivot axis X 3 , in a first direction of rotation, to an active position, as illustrated by the passage of the figures 2 And 3 to figures 5 And 6 .

[0106] When the release organ 30 is placed in the active position, its locking portion 35pivots around the third pivot axis X 3 , so that the engagement part 37 no longer cooperates with the shoulder 41 of the receiving portion 39. The said locking portion 35 no longer prevents the locking element from being placed in the open position 20.

[0107] Furthermore, when putting the release organ into active position 30, its portion of thrust 32 also pivots around the third pivot axis X 3 and rests on an interior surface, and more precisely on a support portion 24 of the blocking element 20, visible in figure 5 . Without limitation, the support portion 24 forms a single piece with the receiving portion 39. The pushing portion 32, and in particular its distal end, pushes the blocking element 20in a direction opposite to the second portion of tube 14. This pushing force drives the blocking element 20 rotating to an open position shown in figures 5 And 6 .

[0108] Thanks to the invention, the user can bring the blocking element 20 in the open position by acting on the actuating device 50 and does not need to touch said blocking element.

[0109] As can be seen in figure 6 , in the active position of the release organ 30, the draw portion 34 and the thrust portion 32 extend on either side of the mounting portion 16 of the second portion of tube 14. In addition, the draw portion 34 and the thrust portion 32 extend on either side of a plane parallel to the second longitudinal direction Y 2 of the second portion of tube and passing through the third pivot axis X 3 .

[0110] In the open position, the locking element 20 is moved away from the second portion of tube 14. The first X 1 and fourth X 4 pivot axes then extend on either side of a plane passing through the second X 2 and fifth X 5 pivot axes.

[0111] As illustrated in figure 7 , the blocking element 20 in the open position allows the second portion of tube to pivot 14 compared to the first portion of the tube 12 around the first pivot axis X 1 and therefore the folding of the second portion of tube.

[0112] The hinge further includes a return device 56 configured to bring the unlocking organ 30from the active position to the rest position, when the actuating device is not actuated. In this non-limiting example, the return device comprises a spring 56, compression spring type, arranged around the cable portion 52 and extending along said cable portion. The spring has a first end fixed relative to the cable portion 52, resting on a sheath 58 in which the portion of cable extends 52. The spring further comprises a second end bearing on the pulling portion 34 of the release organ.

[0113] When the release member is in the rest position, as illustrated in figure 3 , said spring is not compressed. When the release member is in the active position, the cable portion is pulled inside the sheath so that said spring 56is compressed. The spring then exerts a pushing force on the pulling portion 34, tending to bring the unlocking organ 30 in the resting position, as shown in figure 6 .

[0114] Also, when the cable portion 52 is no longer pulled, said spring 56 pivots said pulling portion so that the release member returns to the rest position.

[0115] THE figures 8 And 9 illustrate a variant of a bicycle according to the invention, said bicycle comprising two hinges, namely a first hinge 100 illustrated in figure 8 and a second hinge 200 illustrated in figure 9 . Without departing from the scope of the invention, and in a non-limiting manner, these hinges 100,200 can be placed on the frame, stem or even seat post of the bike.

[0116] The first hinge 100,illustrated in figure 8 , is similar to the hinge 10 of the figures 1 à 7 . It includes a first portion of tube 112 and a second portion of tube 114 pivoting assembly relative to the first portion of tube.

[0117] The second hinge 200, illustrated in figure 9 , includes a first portion of tube 212, which is fixed relative to the second portion of tube 114 of the first hinge 100. The second hinge 200 further comprises a second tube portion 214 which is pivotally mounted relative to the first portion of tube 212 around a first pivot axis X 1 .

[0118] This second hinge 200 differs from the first hinge in that the release member 230 includes a locking portion 235which also forms a draw portion. In addition, the actuating device 250 of this second hinge 200 includes an actuation cable 252 having a first end portion 252a and a second end part 252b.

[0119] In this non-limiting example, and as can be seen in figure 8 , the first end part 252a of the actuation cable 252 is attached to the first portion of tube 112 of the first hinge 100. To do this, the actuation cable 252 comprises a cable head which is housed in a housing formed in said first tube portion 112. The second end part 252b of said actuation cable 252 is connected to the locking portion 235 of the release organ 230 of the second hinge 200. The actuation cable 252extends inside a sheath 254. This sheath 254 has a first end part 254a resting on a surface of the second portion of tube 114 of the first hinge 100 forming a sheath stop. The sheath 254 further has a second end part 254b, opposite the first end portion, opposite the first end portion, bearing on a surface of the first tube portion 212 of the second hinge, forming a sheath stop.

[0120] Without limitation, the actuation cable 252 and the sheath 254 extend inside the second portion of tube 114 of the first hinge 100 and inside the first portion of tube 212 of the second hinge 200.

[0121] When pivoting the second portion of tube 114of the first hinge 100 compared to the first portion of the tube 112 of the first hinge, said second portion of tube 114 pushes on the sheath 254 while the cable head of the actuation cable 252 remains substantially still. As a result, a tensile force is exerted by the actuating cable 252 on the locking portion 235 of the release organ 230 of the second hinge 200.

[0122] The release organ 230 is rotated relative to the second portion of tube 214 around the third pivot axis X 3 and is brought into the active position. The release organ 230 then brings the blocking element 20 of the second hinge 200 from its closed position to its open position, thus allowing the folding of the second hinge.

[0123] In this non-limiting example, the activation of the unlocking member 230 is done by pushing on the sheath 254. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, activation could be achieved by pulling on the actuating cable. 252.

Claims

1. A hinge (10) for a folding bicycle, said hinge comprising: - a first tube portion (12); - a second tube portion (14) mounted pivotably with respect to the first tube portion about a first axis of pivot (X1) between an unfolded position and a folded position; - a locking element (20) mounted pivotably to the first tube portion about a second axis of pivot (X2), the locking element having at least one closed position in which it retains the second tube portion in the unfolded position and an open position in which it allows the displacement in the folded position of the second tube portion by the pivoting of said second tube portion with respect to the first tube portion about the first axis of pivot; and - an unlocking member (30) having an neutral position and an active position, the unlocking member being configured to bring the locking element from its closed position into its open position when it is placed in the active position, characterized by the unlocking member (30) comprising a pulling portion (34), and the hinge (10) comprising an actuating device (50) for actuating the unlocking member, configured to pull on said pulling portion of the unlocking member in order to bring the latter into the active position.

2. The hinge according to claim 1, comprising a return device (56) configured to bring the unlocking member (30) from the active position into the neutral position, when the actuating device (50) is not actuated.

3. The hinge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unlocking member (30) is mounted pivotably with respect to the second tube portion (14) about a third axis of pivot (X3), parallel to the second axis of pivot (X2) of the locking element.

4. The hinge according to claim 3, wherein the second tube portion (14) comprises a mounting portion (16) defining a housing (18), the unlocking member (30) being mounted pivotably on said mounting portion and extending at least in part in said housing.

5. The hinge according to claim 4, wherein the mounting portion (16) protrudes from an outer surface (14a) of the second tube portion (14).

6. The hinge according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the mounting portion (16) extends at least in part inside the second tube portion (14).

7. The hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the unlocking member (30) comprises a pushing portion (32) configured to push the locking element in order to bring said locking element from its closed position into its open position, when the unlocking member is brought from its neutral position into its active position.

8. The hinge according to claims 3, wherein the pulling portion (34) of the unlocking member (30) extends radially from the third axis of pivot (X3), such that the unlocking member is rotationally driven about the third axis of pivot when the actuating device (50) pulls on said pulling portion.

9. The hinge according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the unlocking member (30) comprises an elbow portion (36) located between the pulling portion (34) and the pushing portion (32), said elbow portion being traversed by the third axis of pivot (X3).

10. The hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuating device (50) comprises a control member (54) and a cable portion (52) having a first end (52a) linked to the control member and a second end (52b) linked to the pulling portion of the unlocking member.

11. The hinge according to claim 10, wherein the control member (54) has the shape of a lever configured to be mounted near the handlebar of a folding bicycle.

12. The hinge according to one any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the locking element (20) comprises a receiving portion (39) and wherein the unlocking member (30) further comprises a locking portion (35) configured to interact with the receiving portion in order to retain the locking element (20) in the closed position when the unlocking member is in the neutral position.

13. The hinge according to claim 12, wherein the locking portion (35) and the receiving portion (39) are configured such that the interaction between said locking portion and said receiving portion is interrupted when the unlocking member (30) is brought into the active position.

14. The hinge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the receiving portion (39) comprises a shoulder (41) and wherein the locking portion (35) has the shape of a hook comprising an engaging part (37) configured to interact with said shoulder when the unlocking member is in the neutral position.

15. The hinge according to claim 14, wherein, considered in a plane perpendicular to the second axis of pivot (X2), said shoulder (41) and said engaging part (37) extend radially with respect to a circle having as center the second axis of pivot (X2) and passing through said locking portion (35).

16. A folding bicycle comprising at least one first hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The folding bicycle according to claim 16, further comprising a second hinge (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the device (250) for actuating the unlocking member of this second hinge comprising an actuating cable (252) having a first end part (252a) attached to one of the first and second tube portions of said first hinge, and a second end part (252b) linked to the unlocking member (230) of the second hinge, said device for actuating the unlocking member of the second hinge being configured to bring the unlocking member of the second hinge into the active position when the second tube portion of the first hinge pivots with respect to the first tube portion of the first hinge.

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